ILOILO City – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 6 explained some of its social support programs in line with the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
LTFRB highlighted that the agency is currently on the works to revive its Service Contracting Program commonly known as “Libreng Sakay” to primarily benefit the operators of modernized jeepneys especially in highly-urbanized areas.
In a dialogue dubbed as “HiNUN-ANON,” a conversation among prime-movers of government agencies and its various publics initiated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Bacolod City, “Libreng Sakay” is set to be implemented again this year as LTFRB central office is currently in the process of finalizing the guidelines.
LTFRB-6 spokesperson Salvador Altura Jr. emphasized that the LTFRB is closely working with other national government agencies such as the Department of Transportation, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide social support programs to those who will directly and indirectly be affected by the PUV modernization program.
Under the TESDA, a “TsuperIskolar Program” was introduced, aiming to enhance the skills of drivers, operators, and their dependents that will also include training support funds to cover their food and travel expenses.
Particularly, TsuperIskolar will provide free skills training, free skills assessment, free entrepreneurship training, and P350 allowance to each beneficiary, depending on the frequency of training.
Affected drivers, operators, members of public sector transportations and stakeholders who want to continue in the industry or new stakeholders and their respective dependents are eligible to avail the program.
Some courses offered under TsuperIskolar include automotive, construction, metals and engineering, agriculture, forestry, fishery, information technology, and food and beverage.
To date, TESDA reported there are already 55 Iloilo-based graduates under this program under the 2021 funds.
Another support program under the DOTr in partnership with the DOLE, known as “EnTsuperneur Program,” will be available for the individuals, members of cooperatives including the “tsuper,” operators and their allied workers, employees of corporations and their management staff.
This program aims to provide a safety net and employment opportunities to the affected stakeholders of the PUVMP through livelihood assistance packages that are aptly selected, enabling beneficiaries to have sustainable sources of income outside the public transportation industry.
The assistance package includes working capital in the form of tools, equipment, and raw materials, basic training, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) micro-insurance, continuing business and technical advisory services.
EnTsuperneur will cater mostly the displaced or those directly affected by the PUVMP. (PIA)/PN
